'I really did want to quit'- Gabby Thomas reflects on how her mother saved her track career

Three-time Olympic gold medalist has recently opened up about the pivotal role her mother played in keeping her track dreams alive.

In a heartfelt reflection, the shared how, despite her natural talent and competitive drive, she faced moments of deep doubt that nearly led her to walk away from the sport.

“I’ve always had this kind of innate competitive drive, and I loved competing—that’s just a part of who I am. I got into track because I always knew that I was fast,” Thomas said in an interview with

But while her physical gifts were undeniable, the mental and emotional toll of balancing elite-level training with often pushed her to the brink of quitting.

Even for eilte Olympians like Gabby Thomas, the pressures of track and filed can sometime get overwhelming and she has her own way of getting away from it.

Raised by, Thomas saw firsthand what resilience and determination looked like. Her mother’s relentless pursuit of her own goals served as both a lesson and an inspiration.

“For me, what every day looked like was a mom who was working hard and chasing her dreams.”

There were many nights when she felt overwhelmed, calling her mother after grueling training sessions and exhausting exams.

“There were so many times where I really did want to quit. I would call my mom up on the phone after every exam or after a long practice and just say, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I’m done.’” she recalled.

Olympic champion Gabby Thomas has announced a major partnership ahead of the 2025 track season.

“And I’m so glad that I had my mom there for me to encourage me to stick with it because I wouldn’t be here today without that.”

ultimately led her to the global stage, where she found herself lining up against the very athletes she once admired.

“I remember being lined up against all of these athletes that I looked up to growing up. I remember being very scared but thinking, ‘This is it. I’m going to put it all on the line and see what happens.’”

Gabby Thomas has opened up on how being an elite track athlete has impacted her relationships.

That defining moment marked a turning point in her career, catapulting her into the spotlight and changing her life overnight.

Yet, that success isn’t built on singular moments—it’s a result of countless hours of dedication and discipline.

“What really makes a champion is all of those moments that lead up to it. Every small detail counts.”

That philosophy drives her approach to training that has guided her to five Olympic medals, three of them gold from the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 200m, 4X100m and 4x400m.

Looking ahead, Thomas remains committed to self-improvement, both on and off the track.

“Discovering amazing to me means becoming the best version of yourself. I’m still growing as an athlete, still growing as a runner, and I want to do it all. I want to be great.”

As gears up for another promising campaign, her mother’s encouragement still rings fresh from her college days.